Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Powell.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey in film began during my school days, when I was cast as an extra in ‘The Imitation Game,. After that, my experience was limited to watching and studying movies from afar. It wasn’t until years later, in Sydney, Australia, that I landed my first job as a Production Assistant (PA) on a major film set, (‘Thor: Ragnarok’) . From that point on, I was hooked. I volunteered for various projects, from music videos to speculative commercials, to gain more on-set experience.
After moving back to London, I continued to immerse myself in small-scale projects through connections with friends and contacts. Despite accumulating practical experience, I realized a gap remained in my understanding of the storytelling and the creative process in filmmaking. This realization led me to pursue a formal education in film, and thus I enrolled at the School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The path I’ve traveled since applying to the School of Cinematic Arts has been anything but smooth. While my education provided a solid foundation in the essentials of filmmaking, I was ill-prepared for two critical challenges: the fierce competitiveness of the industry post-graduation and the high costs associated with creating my own projects. It has been challenging to self-fund my filmmaking exercises; it necessitates creativity and resourcefulness in budget management. This was exacerbated for me, as an international student, as stringent work restrictions limited my ability to earn money for personal projects. I quickly realized the importance of networking. Volunteering my time outside of academic commitments became a gateway to meeting industry professionals and making connections. These relationships became the bridge to securing my initial job opportunities in the industry. In retrospect, networking isn’t just beneficial; it’s essential for navigating the challenges of making a mark in the film world.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Jaded Content?
I founded Jaded Content with my friend and collaborator, Madeline Saloga. This production company is the result of our combined experiences, challenges, and the extensive network we’ve meticulously built over the years. Jaded Content focuses on independent films, short-form content, and branded entertainment that tell unique and engaging stories. We reach wider audiences because we blend art & commerce effectively. We can comment on culture quicker than other media firms because we are nimble. We love to build worlds. We love to explore other worlds. We entertain people – its forefront, but ultimately we give people experiences they wouldn’t have otherwise had – whether in bite-sized short form, or immersive long form projects. We take pride in our ability to produce impactful narratives and assets within tight budgets, aiming to incorporate diverse and unique perspectives. What distinguishes us is our dedication to creativity, inclusivity, and meaningful storytelling. Jaded Content is a creative studio which caters to both marketers and studios to produce digital content as well as feature length pursuits.
Brand-wise, our resilience and adaptability in the ever-evolving film industry are what make me the proudest. In a landscape where content is king, Jaded Content stands out for the quality and depth of our narratives.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @jadedcontentco
Image Credits
Guillermo Casarin
Robin Wang
Mariann Cook
Rielle Li
Shapley Davis
